Oct. 24. GiGi’s Playhouse Charlotte, part of the GiGi’s Playhouse network of Down syndrome achievement centers, recently received $50,000 in state funding from the North Carolina General Assembly. NC Rep. John Bradford, a Cornelius resident, lobbied on behalf of the Down syndrome community to secure $500,000 in funding and resources for the state of North Carolina, of which $50,000 will be provided to GiGi’s Playhouse Charlotte as they plan for their grand opening in early next year.
Bradford was the first North Carolina legislator to have a legislative intern with Down Syndrome in the NCGA.
“Each one has brought a unique skill set to their role. My last intern, Matthew Schwab, is a very effective communicator and was calling business owners in District 98 to see how our office could help them. Individuals with IDD, such as Down syndrome, can be a very productive and positive addition to anyone’s team,” said Bradford, a former member of the Cornelius Town Board.
GiGi’s Playhouse is the only network of Down Syndrome achievement centers. GiGi’s provides free, life-changing therapeutic, educational and career development programs for 40,000+ individuals of all ages. There are 39 brick & mortar locations across the United States and in Mexico, as well as start-up teams in over 200 communities nationwide. Each month approximately 250 new families join the national Playhouse network, representing a consistent monthly growth of 16%.
In the last two years, 200 new communities inquired for a GiGi’s Playhouse Down syndrome Achievement Center to be established in their area. The growth and interest reflect a demand for programs that target the underserved population of more than 450,000 Americans living with Down syndrome, Bradford said.
A start up team is in place in Charlotte with plans to open a playhouse in early 2019. For more info, visit www.GiGisplayhouse.org/charlotte.